CVU379 – Towkio
Over a hotel breakfast at the start of the day, Towkio opens up about everything going on in his world, from his forthcoming .Wav Theory mixtape, to collaborations with Chicago electronic act Louis The Child. The MC also shares his thoughts on Chicago’s music scene coming up, and reps for his collaborators in SaveMoney.

CVU380 – Holt
In a hotel lobby midday interview, Chicago’s Nigel Holt opens up about the difference between his Holt and Hollywood Holt styles and projects, and how and why he separated the two. The artist also shares his thoughts about Chicago’s place and community in the larger musical conversation, weighing in on Glass Lux and Perfect Kiss, Fall Out Boy, Flosstradamus, and Kanye West.

CVU381 – Glass Lux
Alfonso Mayen, Emily Morse, and Leo Saucedo of Glass Lux reveal their experiences working with Holt on his new music, and share their excitement around the group’s upcoming Millennium Park show.

CVU382 – The O’My’s
In the midst of SXSW Music, Maceo Haymes of The O’My’s opens up about the anxiety and reward that comes with venturing into new cities on tour, delves into the group’s new Keeping The Faith EP, and recalls a life-changing car accident that helped move him and the band forward.

CVU383 – Khori⁴
Rapper Khori⁴ shares his experiences alternating between St. Louis and Chicago as a home base, and discusses some of the trials he’s gone through as an independent artist.

CVU385 – Genevieve
At the end of SXSW 2015, Genevieve checks in with Jaime Black to discuss all the recent changes in her life, from moving from Chicago to LA, to pursuing a brighter, more vibrant sound on her new Show Your Colors EP. The singer-songwriter also reveals what it’s like when she returns to perform in Chicago, and shares how she’s embracing her new-found creative freedom.

What follows is a roll out of those interviews, with updates posting regularly. Find the #ChicagoMade SXSW 2015 interview album below. All interviews hosted by Jaime Black for #ChicagoMade via Choose Chicago, DCASE, and World Business Chicago, and produced by Audrey Sutherland.

In an interview outside Mohawk on Red River, Pitchfork Media’s Michael Renaud delves into his role as creative director of the worldwide music brand. Renaud offers his thoughts on the site’s quarterly publication, The Pitchfork Review, explaining how the online brand approached long-form print journalism in a digital world. The SXSW panelist also spoke to Pitchfork’s Chicago roots, and why the city is home to the site’s annual summer festival.

SXSW veteran Heather West makes her Dynasty Podcasts debut in an interview recorded at the Austin Convention Center, prior to her mentor session. The noted, now Chicago-based publicist reflects on her Austin roots, and reveals what SXSW was like in its earliest days. West also shares what’s she’s excited about in Chicago in 2015, and hints at new developments happening with this year’s Riot Fest.

JC Brooks and Jeremy Tromburg of The Uptown Sound and side project The K.I.D. reveal how changes in the former group have reenergized the band, while hinting at the direction of the latter project. The frontman also shares his thoughts on The Uptown Sound label Bloodshot Records, as well as the status of new Uptown Sound music on the horizon.

Chicago singer-songwriter Xoe Wise returns to Dynasty Podcasts to spill the latest on both her self-titled solo project, as well as her synth-pop Kinky Love outfit. Wise reveals details on her forthcoming Racecar Orgasm: Foreplay EP, as well as its in-the-works long-form companion, Racecar Orgasm.

Following up on his Riot Fest 2014 appearance, Archie Powell revisits the podcast with Ryan Export, to share what they love about SXSW. The duo also open up about the highs and lows of being in a band, as well as offering thoughts on new Exports music in the works.

Up-and-coming Chicago singer-songwriter Rebecca Brunner shares details about her musical upbringing, and how she knew she was headed towards singing from an early age. Brunner also weighs in on why right now is such a great time to be an artist in Chicago, and previews her ambitions for new music on the way.

Joined by her bandmates William Kurk, Matthew Skillz, and Myron Cherry, Chicago soul artist Lili K. visits Dynasty Podcasts barely an hour into her SXSW trip. The artist discusses her reasoning for going the DIY route as her own manager, with her band weighing in on the experience of making the group’s upcoming full length, Ruby.

At SXSW 2015, Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black interviewed Chicago’s premier artists, industry makers and ambassadors, at the #ChicagoMade trade show booth and showcase, as well as at locations across SXSW Interactive and Music.

What follows is a roll out of those interviews, with updates posting regularly. Find the #ChicagoMade SXSW 2015 interview album below. All interviews hosted by Jaime Black for #ChicagoMade via Choose Chicago, DCASE, and World Business Chicago, and produced by Audrey Sutherland.

Following his performance at the #ChicagoMade trade show booth, Chicago MC ProbCause shares his love for touring and performing in front of both new and returning audiences in other cities. The artist also names the acts he sees coming up in Chicago, and reveals details of his ZRO FOX collaboration with Psalm One.

Prior to soundcheck at the #ChicagoMade SXSW showcase, Dynasty Podcasts regulars Gordon Bramli, Ryan Luciani, andDan Brunelle of Gemini Club (pictured above) return to the show following their Lollapalooza 2014 appearance. The trio open up about the latest behind the scenes action in the Gemini Club camp, from new music on deck to looking for the right deal to move forward with.

With only a few minutes to spare before their soundcheck at the #ChicagoMade showcase, the members of Dos Santos – Irekani Ferreyra, Alex Chavez, Daniel Villarreal-Carrillo, Jaime Garza, and Peter Maestro Vale – weigh in on the diverse sounds of Chicago’s music scene. The act also touches on their just-released full length, Dos Santos.

At the #ChicagoMade showcase, the Twin Peaks squad – Cadien, Connor, Clay, Jack, and Colin – reflect about life on the road, and how touring has become the new normal for the band. The group also reveals what they do when they have time off at home, and share their thoughts on graduating from the “baby band” label.

Cross-genre Chicago singer-songwriter Mike Golden shares new details about the evolution of his musical identity, and the sound and focus of his newly-branded Golden project. The artist also gives a window for when new his new music is set to drop, and talks about the art of making bar and barbecue music.

Chicago talent Bernie Levv makes her Dynasty Podcasts debut, opening up about the intent and ambitions of her forthcoming full length, The Golden Hour. Levv also reflects on how Young Chicago Authors impacted her craft, and states why Chicago doesn’t have anything to prove to either of the coasts.

At SXSW 2015, Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black interviewed Chicago’s premier artists, industry makers and ambassadors, at the #ChicagoMade trade show booth and showcase, as well as at locations across SXSW Interactive and Music.

What follows is a roll out of those interviews, with updates posting regularly. Find the #ChicagoMade SXSW 2015 interview album below. All interviews hosted by Jaime Black for #ChicagoMade via Choose Chicago, DCASE, and World Business Chicago, and produced by Audrey Sutherland.

CVU360 – Harper Reed
Chicago entrepreneur and tech star Harper Reed kicks off Dynasty Podcasts’ SXSW 2015 interviews, in a chat recorded at the #ChicagoMade trade show booth. Reed delves into the origins and ambitions of his new startup, Modest, shares his thoughts on the role of Chicago industry in the larger national conversation, and reveals exactly what he loves about Chicago in 2015.

CVU362 – TechNexus
In an interview recorded at the #ChicagoMade trade show booth, Terry Howerton of TechNexus discusses innovation and adaptation in Chicago’s startup scene, and reveals why he believes entrepreneurs should be solving harder problems.

CVU363 – Nusiki
Onsite at the SXSW trade show for their own booth, Tim Welch and Ben Hewitt of Chicago startup Nusiki open up about the purpose of the music-sharing app. The duo also reveal the backstory of their startup and how the project came together, and share why right now is such an exciting time to be at the intersection of music and tech in Chicago,

CVU364 – CIMMfest
Josh Chicoine of the annual Chicago music and film festival CIMMfest checks in at SXSW to reveal how he’s seen the Austin, TX festival change over the last ten years. Chicoine also previews components of next month’s CIMMfest programming, and discusses transitioning from his work as a musician in projects like The M’s and Cloudbirds, to developing and organizing a festival like CIMMfest.

CVU365 – Music Dealers
Music Dealers CEO and co-founder Eric Sheinkop returns to Dynasty Podcasts at SXSW, following his interview at the conference last spring to promote his recent book, Hit Brands: How Music Builds Value for the World’s Smartest Brands. Now, in 2015, Sheinkop reflects on recent Music Dealers accomplishments, including the company’s First $15 Million landmark, as well as their collaboration with Airbnb. He also offers his take on why Chicago is the perfect city to anchor Music Dealers, even as the company expands into new markets.

In advance of SXSW 2015, Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black checked in with Chicago artist Sam Kirk, at the Virgin Hotel in downtown Chicago. The hometown artist discusses her artwork for the upcoming ChicagoMade trade show booth at SXSW 2015, revealing how she was selected to showcase this year. Kirk also previews her plans across 2015, and shares why she chooses to work and live in Chicago.

Over the summer, Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black caught up with four of Chicago’s premier local talents to discuss their favorite parts of Chicago, why they choose to live and make music here, and much more. Those interviews can be found in the podcast album below.

CVU348 – Phenom @ Chicago Made
Acclaimed DJ Colin “Phenom” Rebey discusses his favorite places in Chicago, including Lou Malnati’s in Lincoln Park, where this video was shot. Rebey also reveals why he chooses to live in Chicago as a working artist, and previews what he has coming up next.

CVU349 – Netherfriends @ Chicago Made
Oft-traveling artist Shawn Rosenblatt–better known under his musical alias, Netherfriends– sits down with Dynasty Podcasts at Margie’s Candiesto reveal why he chooses to reside in Chicago. The prolific songwriter shares his favorite spots around the city, and names some of his favorite Chicago hip hop talent collaborators.

CVU350 – Xoe Wise @ Chicago Made
The singer-songwriter connects with Dynasty Podcasts at Uncommon Ground to reveal why the Wrigleyville restaurant/venue holds special significance to her, discuss how Chicago continues to inspire her as an artist, and preview what she has on deck in the future with both her self-titled project and her Kinky Love group.

CVU351 – KSRA @ Chicago Made
Indie artist KSRA invites Dynasty Podcasts to meet her in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, where she discusses her favorite neighborhoods and venues throughout Chicago. The singer also states why community is so important to her and her music, shares how Chicago’s brutal winters keep her productive, and reveals how the Brown Line plays into her perfect date night.

On a wet, rainy, first night of Riot Fest, Gretta Rochelle and Jack Armondo of My Gold Mask discuss their inclusion on the festival, Gretta’s love of The Cure, and early details of their forthcoming 2015 full length.

The Orwells

Backstage on day two of Riot Fest, Mario Cuomo, Baby Chuck, Grant Brinner, and Henry Brinner of The Orwells return to Dynasty Podcasts for the first time since their JBTV appearance, fresh off being this month’s Illinois Entertainer cover story.

The group discuss being over their Letterman fiasco, their feelings on making the leap from coming out of Elmhurst to playing on stages worldwide, and getting to live their dream these days.

¡VAMOS!

On the last day of Riot Fest 2014, Josh Lambert, WIll Wood, and Ryan Murphy of ¡VAMOS! discuss playing day one of the festival, working with Red Bull Sound Select, and new music and reissues on the way from the band.

Lucki Eck$

Immediately following his Riot Fest set on Sunday afternoon, 18 year old Chicago rapper Lucki Eck$ jumps on the mic and talks about all things in his orbit, from his love of Xanax, to his grand ambitions for his music, to collaborating with artists like Chance The Rapper and FKA twigs.

Archie Powell

On the final afternoon of Riot Fest, a dapper Archie Powell discusses new music on the horizon from his group, Archie Powell & The Exports. The frontman also discusses the disparate reaction to the group’s current effort, Back in Black, as well as the deserved growth of Riot Fest in recent years.

Show You Suck

Following his frenzied debut set at Riot Fest, an ecstatic Clinton Sandifer, AKA Show You Suck, gushes on why performing at the annual punk festival means so much to him. The MC revisits his days of performing in the hardcore scene, and recounts the road to finally landing at set at Riot Fest.

Oft-traveling artist Shawn Rosenblatt–better known under his musical alias, Netherfriends— sits down with Dynasty Podcasts at Margie’s Candies to reveal why he chooses to reside in Chicago. The prolific songwriter shares his favorite spots around the city, and names some of his favorite Chicago hip hop talent collaborators.

Acclaimed DJ Colin “Phnm” Rebey discusses his favorite places in Chicago, including Lou Malnati’s in Lincoln Park, where this video was shot. Rebey also reveals why he chooses to live in Chicago as a working artist, and previews what he has coming up next.

Tuscany: Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich
The Chicken Parmigiana, from Chicagoland staple Tuscany, was a satisfying and substantial selection. Loaded with a healthy dose of slightly sweet marinara sauce, the sandwich was served on a mini french bread loaf, with a slice of somewhat melted parmesan cheese. A proper take on classic Italian comfort food, sized to serve as a meal on the go. -JB

Graham Elliot: Lobster Corndog
Served with a haphazard mayo drip and featuring green onion pieces scattered on top, this corndog was an adventurous take on American fair food. The outside was crispy and reminiscent of fish and chips, while the breading’s inside was reminiscent of corn bread. One might expect only a bit of lobster, as it is outdoor fest food, but the Graham Elliot special was loaded with a pleasant serving of shredded lobster. -LR

Saturday, August 2nd, 2014

Franks ‘N’ Dawgs: Truffle Mac n Cheese
The only disappointing part about the truffle mac from Franks N Dawgs was that the serving wasn’t larger. A rich and creamy sauce compliments the rich cheese flavor here, with the white truffle oil giving this after school staple a more grown up taste. If the festival size offering was a little larger, it could make a great midday meal to help make it through the long hot Lolla days. As it stands, this was a better than average appetizer. -JB

Kamehachi: Vegetable Seaweed Wrap
A pleasant surprise at an outdoor music fest. Instead of the fried, greasy offerings one is used to outdoors, these six pieces of sushi – containing shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, carrots, & cucumbers – were light, cool and refreshing. The cold and slightly wet mushrooms complimented the sweet crunch of carrots, as well. -LR

Sunday, August 3rd, 2014

Stella Barra Pizzeria: Pepperoni Pizza
One of the larger culinary offerings at the festival, Stella Barra’s generously sized personal pizzas barely fit on the plates they were served on. Loaded with a generous helping of pepperoni, the crispy, crunchy thin crust pizza was light on sauce and large on taste. Best of all, the pizzas being served were being handed out right out of the oven, making for a refreshingly fresh festival meal. -JB

Cheesie’s: The Caprese
This grilled cheese from Cheesie’s – one of the best late night drunk food spots in Lakeview – was surprisingly not especially melted. The Caprese sandwich contained a few slices of mozzarella, thick tomatoes, and little pieces of basil. Though Caprese sandwiches generally aren’t melted, one would expect a bit more from a grilled cheese restaurant. On the upside, the sandwich – flanked by crunchy, buttery bread – was generously sized, with each half of the sandwich about the size of a hand. Though still satisfying, dining in at Cheesie’s is sure to offer a more ideal experience. -LR